City of Living Trees
Sterling
Sterling is a beautiful small town on the green banks of the South Platte River, about two hours northeast of Denver, and likes to call itself “the city of living trees.” An afternoon treasure hunt looking for the intricate carved sculptures of Merino artist Bradford Rhea backs up the claim. After a deep winter freeze in 1982 killed many of Sterling’s majestic trees, Rhea carved the dead trunks into elaborate fantasies of lions, bears, angels and giraffes. Pick up a map to the sculptures at the Sterling Tourist Information Center, at Interstate 76 exit 125 and U.S. 6.
GET THERE FROM HERE
Official Map to Colorado
Free, at state Welcome Centers, the Denver Visitor Information Centers and online at colorado.com
Lost the trail to a genuine Colorado vacation? Find your way again with the Official Map to Colorado Scenery and Adventure, a plain ol’ road map embellished with scenic byways, the deets on key points of interest and 10 suggestions for a “phenomenal Colorado experience.” The state tourism folks have the whole family in mind, so they have developed a kid-friendly version too. The Colorado Educational Map packs in enough fun facts and trivia points to keep the back seat busy – at least for a while – on a long road trip.
ROLLER-SKATE SCUFFLE
Pikes Peak Derby Dames
8 p.m. Saturday, Tour Inline Arena, 3325 Meadow Ridge Drive, Colorado Springs. Tickets $10, 719-597-1235
The Candy Snipers take on the Danger Dolls during Low Down Derby Shame, the second big match in the Springs’ only all-girl, roller derby league’s inaugural season. Sure, it’s a little tawdry, but it’s still fun to watch the high-speed theatrics of chicks speeding around the rink on skates, in an ultra-mod take on a sport that started back in 1935. Be there, or be square.
